OBITUARY

Thomas Paul Kraak

January 31, 1949 – August 23, 2013

Thomas Paul Kraak born January 31, 1949, in Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully Friday, August 23, 2013, from cancer at the home of his dear friend Sarah Baxter. He worked in the excavation business started by his father John P. Kraak. He was involved, instrumental in the excavation of the foundations of many skyscrapers in Downtown Houston, Tranquility Park and Buffalo Bayou. He moved to San Marcos, Texas in 2005. He attended San Marcos Baptist Academy in San Marcos, Texas. He served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War in the Seabees branch of the Navy. Tom grew up in the excavating and trucking business and enjoyed the camaraderie of others that shared his love of trucks. He enjoyed restoring and showing his vintage trucks. Tom was a member of the Yellow Rose chapter of the American Truck Historical Society.Survivors: son Jonathan Gardner Kraak, San Marcos, Texas; ex-wife Karen Kraak, Pasadena, Texas; brothers, Ross David Kraak, Jay Paton Kraak, both of Houston, Texas; sisters Jonnie Lynn McClellan, San Marcos, Texas and Tammie Justine Sipes and husband Sidney, Plano, Texas. Nephews John McClellan, San Marcos, Texas; Thomas Sipes, Plano, Texas; and niece Rebecca Sipes, Plano, Texas.Viewing: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday August 28, 2013, at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas. Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday August 29, 2013, at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-17181-800-227-2345. Visit our website at www.cashnerconroe.com

REMEMBERING

Thomas Paul Kraak

'ol buddyhow many Friday nights did we spend shining the boots and seeing who was the best. going down the hill at night for a hotdog. how 'bout getting ready for "federal". razor blade the cracks in the floor, laying down the wax and sliding across the floor on the towels. can't forget about watching for the proctor so we could grab a smoke. you have always been missed since I left in '65 and how i'll always think of you and your Peterbuilt. Buck Owens, Johnny Cash still ring in my ears. remember how you laid at night in bed listening to the trucks heading down the road there by the campus. always wanted to take a ride with you. hopefully one day we can......ride togetherso long my 'ol roommatescott brakefield

Slim Whatley

August 29, 2013

Tom, We will always remember you and enjoy the many memories. Just remember to eat more possum.Slim and Blue Eyes

Todd Barefield

August 28, 2013

Tommy was a great person. I enjoyed working with him when I was younger and enjoyed all his trucks. Rest in peace and in deepest sympathy my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

jim freeman, SMA 1965

August 28, 2013

To the family of Cadet Kraak,

Our most sincere condolences to his loved ones.We will light candles in his memory.

Sincerely, Sandra & Jim

August 28, 2013

Tommy was a old friend from back in high school and till he passed. We stayed in touch through the years because of the trucks and business. He will be missed. Steve Brady and another friend of his Joe DeForke.

Kyle, Lori and Kolt Kutscher

August 28, 2013

Dr. Tom you will be missed. You always had an interesting story to tell and never turned down homemade fried chicken. We are blessed to have known you...see you down the road.

Jane Troxell

August 28, 2013

Jonnie Lynn and John, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother and uncle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family.

August 28, 2013

Dear Jonathan, Karen & all the family, Tom was a great guy & dear friend. I know Tom & Arden are in Heaven talking about Mach trucks. We all loved & will miss Tom so much. Love to all the Family. The Arden Hill, Jr. Family, Fleta, Anita & Trey Hill

Sheri (Reagan) McQuinn

August 28, 2013

Jonathan, I will always remember your dad affectionately as we were sweethearts in the late 1960's. Through memories he will live on in your heart. God bless and keep him.

Mark Rhoads

August 28, 2013

I met Tom in the 1976 through his younger brother Jay. Tom greeted me with a firm handshake and warm smile. Every time I saw Tom after that I was greeted with the same firm handshake and warm smile. I will truly miss seeing that warm smile and his firm handshake. My prayers and sincerest condolences go out to the family.

Ron Layton

August 28, 2013

Best Boss I Ever Had He Will Be Missed.

Kim & Eric Creel

August 28, 2013

"Johnathan,The heart remembers most what it has loved best. May memories comfort you and bring you peace. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family."

Corky Privette

August 27, 2013

Jonathan and Karen, I know Tom's passing will leave a huge void in your lives. He was a good guy and taken way too soon. My thoughts are with you.

Sam, Diane & Ben Dorhout

August 27, 2013

Johathan our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family as you grieve the loss of such a dear loved one.

Frankie Randall

August 27, 2013

Tommy, and his sweetheart "Roxie" were neighbors of mine for several years at the townhomes in Meadowcreek. He had a great sense of humor and we had alot of fun during those years. I am so sorry for your loss.

August 27, 2013

I went to work for Tom's Dad when I was 19 years old and Tom was 7 years old. Worked for 36 years and to this day I can say the family was always great to me. Tom was a man of his word as his dad was, I always said a handshake from Tom or his Dad was as good as any Contract.Katie R. La Bouve (Houston, Texas)

Pat Orenduff

August 27, 2013

Tom will always have a piece of my heart. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry Busch

August 27, 2013

Tommy, you will be missed. However this is not goodbye. As a fellow Christian we will spent an eternity together. For over 25 years you have been a friend and advisor. I shall always remember your smile and personality. While I will miss you, I cant help but be a little jealous of you getting to heaven before me. Praise God today is not goodbye ,but a see you later.

Glenn Chonoski

August 27, 2013

I wish I had been lucky enough to have known you. I think I had a pretty good insight from Jonathan on facebook. R.I.P.

Tom & Stephanie White

August 27, 2013

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Tom Kraak. We always enjoyed visiting with Tom at the TEDTEA show in Temple. We will miss him.

August 27, 2013

My prayers are with the family. Lynn Webb

Steve Rhodes

August 27, 2013

Tommy,we miss you already! Those frequent phone calls of,"Hey whats going on, What do you need or what can I find for you are gone forever. All of us dragline heads will never forget Tommy! Johnathan, I offer my sympathy on the loss of your DAD and BEST FRIEND. Steve

Robbie Doughten

We will miss you Tom. What a wonderful character you are and forever will be... god broke the mold after you and my dad! Such a loving father too. Our deepest sympathies to Jonathan and family.

Lindsey Perryman

August 26, 2013

You will always be remembered forever in our hearts. Until we meet again...

August 26, 2013

You and your family are in our thoughts and praysDeon & Kim Dittlinger

Rick Zeplin

August 26, 2013

I am one of Jay's best friends. I only met Tom once at a crawfish party on the ranch. I really enjoyed meeting Tom. He seemed like a hard-working, dedicated man with a "Good Heart" and friendly disposition.

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